64Cu uPAR Conjugates for Higher Tumor Binding and Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radionuclide labelled peptide conjugates for uPAR targeting have poor tumor binding and retention, limiting their effectiveness in targeted radiotherapy for uPAR expressing cancers.

Innovation Solution

Development of 64Cu labelled uPAR binding conjugates comprising a uPAR binding moiety, a chelating agent, and the radionuclide 64Cu, which provides high tumor binding and good retention, allowing therapeutic efficacy at doses below theoretical limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radionuclide labelled peptide conjugates are used for uPAR targeting, then targeted radiotherapy can be delivered, but tumor binding and retention are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetumor binding and retentionVSAvoidconjugate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the peptide conjugate structure by changing the linker parameters and chelating agent configuration to improve tumor binding and retention. Specifically, the use of modified peptide sequences and optimized linker lengths alters the pharmacokinetic parameters to achieve better tumor accumulation and retention characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure combining the uPAR-targeting peptide with a chelating agent and radionuclide in a specific configuration. This composite conjugate design integrates multiple functional components (targeting moiety, linker, chelator, radionuclide) to achieve both high tumor binding and stable radionuclide retention simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If higher radionuclide doses are administered to achieve therapeutic effect, then tumor treatment efficacy improves, but side effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetumor treatment efficacyVSAvoidside effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves localized delivery of high radionuclide activity specifically to tumor tissue through the uPAR-targeting peptide. This local quality approach concentrates the therapeutic effect at the tumor site while minimizing systemic exposure, allowing high doses to be delivered to the tumor without proportionally increasing side effects to healthy tissues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the short half-life of the radionuclide (e.g., 64Cu with 12.7 hours or 67Cu with 2.6 days) to deliver therapeutic effect quickly before significant decay occurs. This short-living approach allows high initial activity to be administered for immediate therapeutic effect while the rapid decay limits prolonged radiation exposure and cumulative side effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If 64Cu is used for imaging purposes, then diagnostic accuracy is achieved, but therapeutic efficacy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidtherapeutic efficacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs radionuclides like 64Cu and 67Cu that can serve dual purposes: 64Cu for PET imaging (diagnostic) and both 64Cu/67Cu for therapy (therapeutic). The same targeting conjugate structure is used with different radionuclides to achieve either diagnostic or therapeutic goals, or both in a theranostic approach, making the system universally applicable for both imaging and treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The 64Cu labelled conjugates offer a wider therapeutic window with an optimal balance of therapeutic effect and side effects, achieving significant tumor treatment at reduced doses compared to conventional radionuclides.

Implementation Method 1

The radionuclide 64Cu is a well-known positron emitting radionuclide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositron emission: Radioactive Decay

Implementation Method 2

where the positron annihilates with an electron, producing two gamma photons that are detected simultaneously

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositron annihilation:

Implementation Method 3

64Cu also decays by both beta minus particles and gamma radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeta minus decay: Radioactive Decay

Implementation Method 4

a chelating agent suitable for binding radiometals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChelation: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4678194A1Therapeutic application of 64cu-labelled conjugates for site-specific upar-targeting
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 CURASIGHT APS
  • EP4678194A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4678194A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2A
  • EP4678194A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

The present invention provides Therapeutic application of 64Cu labelled uPAR binding conjugates, such as 64Cu-DOTA-AE105, for site-specific targeting of the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) in treatment of cancer diseases associated with high uPAR expression.